Los Angeles Personal Injury Lawyer Directory

  • Home
  • Credentials Matter
  • Practice Areas
    • Personal Injury
    • Automobile Accident
    • Car Accident
    • Workers Compensation
    • Wrongful Death
    • Cruise Accident
    • Slip & Fall
    • Uber Accident
  • Blog
  • Contact an Attorney

March 20, 2020 by MatadorAdmin

Three Types Of Damages That Can Be Recovered In A Lawsuit

Wrongful Death Attorney

When someone is killed as a result of someone else’s actions, a wrongful death lawsuit can be filed by the family of the deceased. This allows the loved ones of the victim to be compensated for their loss. Wrongful death lawsuits are unusual because they are filed on behalf of the deceased. This raises the question of what kinds of damages can be recovered.

Types of Damages

There are three types of damages that can be recovered in a lawsuit of any kind. These are special compensatory damages, general compensatory damages, and punitive damages. All three of these types of damages can also be received in wrongful death lawsuits.

Special compensatory damages refer to compensation for financial losses. If the loss has an objective monetary value attached to it, then it falls into this category. For example, a $500 hospital bill would be special compensatory damages.

General compensatory damages refer to compensation for non-financial losses. Any loss without 

an objective monetary value falls into this category. The most common type of general compensatory damages is pain and suffering.

Punitive damages refer to payment that is assigned to punish the defendant, rather than to compensate the plaintiff. These are also assigned when the judge does not think the first two types of damages are punishment enough.

Damages Against the Victim

It is possible to claim damages that the victim suffered. Because a wrongful death lawsuit is being filed on behalf of the deceased, these claims are completely valid. Examples of damages against the victim include:

  • Medical bills
  • Pain and suffering
  • Lost wages
  • Damage to property
  • Miscellaneous expenses

Damages Against the Loved Ones

It is also possible to claim damages that the loved ones suffered as a result of the victim’s death. This is called “survival action.” Examples of this type of damage include:

  • Funeral costs
  • Burial costs
  • Emotional distress
  • Loss of financial support
  • Loss of companionship

It can be difficult to know whether or not a loss or type of suffering qualifies for a damages claim in a wrongful death lawsuit. The easiest way to clarify this matter is to speak with an attorney. A legal professional who specializes in wrongful death claims will be able to easily identify which are valid and which are not. It is usually possible to speak with an attorney to get more information without agreeing to hire him or her. Likewise, it is common for the attorney you hire to accept no payment until the case is won. Contact a wrongful death lawyer, to find out more information. 

Filed Under: LA Personal Injury Law

Los Angeles Personal Injury Lawyers

  • Home
  • Credentials Matter
  • Practice Areas
    • Personal Injury
    • Automobile Accident
    • Car Accident
    • Workers Compensation
    • Wrongful Death
    • Cruise Accident
    • Slip & Fall
    • Uber Accident
  • Blog
  • Contact an Attorney

L.A. Personal Injury Resources

LA Car Accident Lawyers
Automobile Accident Lawyer LA
Los Angeles Personal Injury Lawyer
Los Angeles Automobile Accident Attorney
Car Accident Lawyer Los Angeles
Los Angeles Workers Compensation Attorney
Los Angeles Wrongful Death Attorney
Los Angeles Slip & Fall Lawyer
Uber Accident Lawyer Los Angeles
Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Woodland Hills CA
Truck Accident Lawyer Woodland Hills CA
Los Angeles Personal Injury Attorneys

Other Resources

Hot Legal Tips
Dog Bite lawyer Denver CO
Cruise Accident Lawyers LA
Drug Possession Lawyer Llano, TX
Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Atlanta GA
Car Accident Lawyer Los Angeles CA

Contact an Attorney

Contact an attorney from one of Los Angeles' premier personal injury law firms.

Free Case Evaluation

No Legal Advice Intended. This website includes general information about legal issues and law practices. Such materials are for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice or counsel. Information may not reflect current legal standards. For legal advice specific to your needs, contact an attorney licensed in your jurisdiction. Do not rely on any statement on this website for any reason whatsoever. Furthermore, the information contained in this website is for informational purposes only. It is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice or representation. Your review or use of this web site, its information and links does not create an attorney-client relationship or an attorney-client privilege between this law firm and you. Statements made to this firm before the formation of an attorney-client relationship may not be privileged and confidential.


Other Resources
American Bar Association | The American Lawyer | National Lawyers Association | Lawyers Without Borders | American College of Trial Lawyers | American Bar Association | National Association of Women Lawyers | Lawyers Associated Worldwide | Car Accident Lawyer DC | DC Personal Injury Lawyer | Elizabeth, NJ Workers Comp Attorney


© COPYRIGHT 2023 LOS ANGELES PERSONAL INJURY LAWYERS | POWERED BY SEO Marketing For Attorneys